Know Before You Go
Planning a trip to the Sunshine Coast? Here’s what you need to know before you go so that you can explore safely, responsibly, and respectfully.
Travel Updates and Information
Community Notices
BC Hydro Power Line Replacement Project: Major transmission system upgrades—including construction of a permanent bypass line near Saltery Bay—are being completed. Learn about the project on the City of Powell River or BC Hydro websites.
BC Ferries Projects: A number of BC Ferries projects are underway. For the most up-to-date information on these projects, visit bcferriesprojects.ca.
- Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal Infrastructure Project: A multi-year capital construction program is underway at the Horseshoe Bay terminal. While there will be minimal interruptions to the Horseshoe Bay to Langdale (Gibsons) route, there will be changes when it comes to where vehicles are being queued for loading onto the ferry. Learn more about the project here.
- Blubber Bay Terminal Life Extension Project: This project is expected to begin in early October 2026 and be completed in January 2027. Regular service on the Westview (Powell River) to Blubber Bay (Texada Island) route will not be impacted for most of the project duration. Short duration temporary berth closures and some late-evening sailing cancellations may be required, but specific dates and details have not yet been confirmed. An alternative service plan is being developed to help manage impacts and support continued access and travel. More details on the Blubber Bay Terminal Life Extension Project can be found here.
- Langdale Berth 1 Life Extension Project: This project includes a berth closure from February 3 – 23, 2027 that will impact the Horseshoe Bay to Langdale route. During this time, two-ship (Queen of Surrey and Queen of Oak Bay), single level service will operate out of Berth 2 from the first sailing of the day until 7:00pm. The Earls Cove to Saltery Bay route will be adjusted to connect with the with the Queen of Surrey’s main car deck only schedule. Customers connecting to/from the Queen of Oak Bay sailings will have longer waits since that sailing will not be timed to connect to Earls Cove – Saltery Bay sailings.
The 7:05 pm sailing from Horseshoe Bay will be the last northbound connection to the Earls Cove – Saltery Bay route. Visitors wishing to reach Powell River will need to be on the 7:05 pm sailing from Horseshoe Bay in order to connect to the 10:00 pm sailing from Earls Cove. More details on the Langdale Berth 1 Life Extension Project can be found here.
Water usage: Stage 4 water restrictions are in effect for the Eastbourne water system (Keats Island). Stage 2 restrictions are in effect for the City of Powell River. Stage 1 water restrictions are in effect for other areas of the Sunshine Coast.
The Sunshine Coast faces increased demand on drinking water resources during periods of drought. Conserving water is a collective effort—familiarize yourself with local water restrictions before you arrive and learn more about how to conserve water during your trip. Learn more about municipal restrictions:
Campfires: Campfires are currently allowed on the Sunshine Coast. Please note that campfires are always prohibited in certain areas, including within the Town of Gibsons and the City of Powell River, as well as in certain parks and outdoor areas. Campfires are also prohibited on Savary Island in July, August, and September.
The use of CSA-rated or ULC-rated cooking stoves and portable campfire apparatus that use briquettes, liquid fuel or gaseous fuel is allowed, as long as the height of the flame is less than 15 cm tall.
Click here for a quick overview of any Provincial restrictions, or here for more specific details on the restrictions in the Coastal Fire Centre area, which includes the Sunshine Coast. Call *5555 on a cell or 1.800.663.5555 (toll-free) to report a wildfire. The BC Wildfire Service app is available for download, and includes interactive maps, news and advisories, and a reporting tool. You can also view an interactive map here.
Bring your patience: Please remember to be patient in the event of longer-than-normal wait times or unexpected closures.
Backcountry Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles and check out AdventureSmart as a great resource to help you get informed before heading outdoors. Remember the three Ts—trip planning, training, and taking the essentials.
Roads, Ferries & Transportation
Roads: Construction is underway in areas along Highway 101. Please check Drive BC for details on the current conditions on Highway 101, and leave some extra time to get to your destination. For all other roads on the Sunshine Coast, please visit scrd.ca/alerts for the South Coast and qathet.ca for the North Coast.
BC Ferries: The Sunshine Coast is a popular destination. Making a ferry reservation is recommended, but if you’re unable to make a reservation, keep in mind that space is also available on a first-come, first-served basis. On the Horseshoe Bay to Langdale route, some additional summer sailings do not take reservations at all, but they often appear online as “SOLD OUT” when trying to book a reservation. These sailings are open to drive-up traffic and frequently have space.
Visit bcferries.com for information on travel advisories, route status updates, and current conditions on major routes. You can also download the new BC Ferries app to book trips, check in at the terminal, and stay up-to-date with alerts.
Parks & Trails
The bridge at the wetland (to the right of the campground) in Inland Lake Provincial Park has been damaged by storms. Inland Lake Trail is no longer fully accessible and the trail will not be a loop until the re-routing is complete.
Porpoise Bay Provincial Park is open for day use, however the Angus Creek trails between the beach and the amphitheatre are temporarily closed.
Visit the BC Parks website for information on provincial parks. Visit qathet.ca or scrd.ca for information on regional parks.
Short-term Rentals (STRs)
The Province of BC introduced short-term rental rules effective May 1, 2024. This includes implementing a provincial principal residence requirement in most urban communities in BC; on the Sunshine Coast this applies to the District of Sechelt and the City of Powell River, but not the surrounding rural areas. Hosts will be required to display a business license in areas where they are required by a local government.
If you are planning a trip to the Sunshine Coast, you can check with your short-term rental host directly to confirm they comply with local government regulations and with BC’s STR rules. Click here to learn more.
